Sermons on Bethlehem Massacre:

First Christmas Risk-Takers

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Dec 21, 2011

Risk taking at times needs to be bold and calculated. Other times require spontaneity. Risk taking is taking on something that causes fear and has the possibility of failure. Risk taking is an essential ingredient in ministry in the Kingdom of God. Most B

Opening illustration: Three pastors have been called Monday to report to prison in Shiraz, a city in southwestern Iran, within the next 30 days in what is estimated to be an act of religious persecution. The pastors were essentially being sentenced for having meetings at home, making the government ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:40-42

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Fear Of God Part 4

Contributed by Gerald Albers on Oct 31, 2011

Now, we are wrapping up our series on fear. Three weeks ago we looked at Zechariah, a saintly old man who had lived his life with unanswered prayers. Two weeks ago, we looked at Mary. The angel told her not to be afraid of God changing her plans for her l

FEAR OF GOD Part 4 TEXT: Luke 2:8-20 8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-20

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Friend Of The Full Heart Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Oct 23, 2009

Christmas is a time for full hearts: weary, guilty, anxious, sad -- past, present, and future. Mary felt the same things, but Christ comes to forgive our past, empower our present, and assure our future.

Christmas is an emotional time. All kinds of feelings are involved with the celebration of Christmas. If you don’t feel some tension, some excitement, or some pressure, something at this time of the year, you are either dead or you’ve been watching the Redskins, which is about the same thing. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-20

Denomination: Baptist

The Clanging Gongs & Crashing Symbols Of Christmas

Contributed by Charles Newman on Dec 12, 2009

When Christians get caught up with the traditions of Christmas, we have a tendency to forget the real reason behind this special celebration - LOVE. If we removed the commercialism from Christmas, would it be the same? I don’t think the world would know w

Illustration - For Always In 1994 two Americans answered an invitation from the Russian Department of Education to teach morals and ethics (based on Biblical principles) in the public schools. They were invited to teach at prisons, businesses, the fire and police departments, and a large ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Denomination: Methodist

Can You Smell The Bread?

Contributed by C Vincent on Aug 18, 2009

A famine in the land for food means we must give out the bread of life.

Can you smell the bread? John 6:1-9, 22-35 (have bread baking in a bread machine while speaking) He reproves them for seeking carnal food, and directs them to spiritual food v. 26, 27, showing them how they must labour for spiritual food v. 28, 29, and what that spiritual food is v. 30–59 Christ ...read more

Scripture: John 6:1-36

Denomination: Assembly Of God

His Name Shall Be Called Wonderful

Contributed by Douglas Phillips on Jan 27, 2010

THIS IS THE FIRST IN A SERIES ON THE NAMES FOR CHRIST AS RECORDED IN ISAIAH. IT WAS USED DURING THE ADVENT SEASON.

HIS NAME WILL BE CALLED WONDERFUL Isaiah 9:6 INTRODUCTION: TODAY BRINGS TO THE BEGINNING OF A VERY EXCITING TIME ON OUR CHRISTIAN CALENDAR. IN FACT MOST LECTIONARIES START THEIR YEAR WITH THE ADVENT SEASON. ADVENT IS A TIME OF PREPARATION. IT’S A TIME THAT WE FOCUS ON THE LORD’S ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 9:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

The Long Road Back Series

Contributed by Allan Quak on Mar 20, 2018

The disappointment which Naomi has at being a widow becomes the event God uses to bring His wondering child back home. For Ruth the road to redemption starts very unexpectedly.

Message Ruth 1:6-22 “The Long Road Back.” Disappointment. The word immediately brings to mind all sorts of situations … doesn’t it. We have organising a project and all sorts of people make a commitment to give help, or support, or be part of a project. Then, when it comes to the crunch, they ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 1:6-22

Denomination: Baptist

The Need For Rest Series

Contributed by Allan Quak on Mar 21, 2018

Ruth finds rest as a result of indicating to Boaz that she wants him to be her Kinsman-Redeemer. The road of redemption is bringing security for Ruth.

Message Ruth 3:1-18 “The Need For Rest” Do you ever have those days when you are just “tired”. It might be from physical exhaustion. It might by spiritual exhaustion. Maybe you have just been through a difficult time and life has not gone as you have expected and you just need some rest. We get ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 3:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

What Are You Waiting For?

Contributed by Marvin P. Hoogland on Feb 28, 2019

Expectations are an essential part of life. The good news of Jesus' birth fills us with hopeful expectations.

We've been waiting for what seems like a long time now, at least for the children. The presents have been under the tree for days and maybe weeks. Will it ever come? “We can't wait!” We've heard children say that again and again, haven't we? But there is good news for you, ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 11:1-10

Taking The Journey

Contributed by Ian Hyde on Apr 1, 2019

God’s call to take the journey to worship the newborn king isn’t just for those born to privilege, or those born in the church. It isn’t just for pastors, scholars, and religious leaders. No, God’s call to worship is for anyone who will listen.

OPENING STORY An old king sat uncomfortably on his throne, fingernails dug into well-worn grooves in the wood as he waited nervously for the mysterious travelers to approach. All Jerusalem was abuzz with the rumors that these men were searching for a new heir which had just been born, yet neither ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: Nazarene

Be The Gift!

Contributed by Michael Deutsch on Dec 8, 2018

This Christmas season as we seek to meet our Christmas Expectations, how can we help others meet those expectations, by our being the gift.

Be the Gift! Matthew 2:1-12 December 9, 2018 In past years we’ve talked about the art of regifting. And it is an art. How do you tactfully give a gift which you’ve been given and remember who gave it to you, so that you don’t regift to the giver? That can be pretty exhausting in and of itself. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

I Am Gabriel

Contributed by Dr. Fred W. Penney on Dec 28, 2018

The Christmas story told from the perspective of the angel Gabriel. First person narrative sermon.

“I am Gabriel - I stand in the presence of God.” Move #1 – read text – Luke 2:1-14 Introduction: Allow me to introduce myself. I am Gabriel. I’m an angel. Now I don’t wish to boast but some people even consider me angelic. Where I come from, “Star Wars” is small potatoes… I find those movies it a ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-14

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Finding The King[2015]-1 Series

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Dec 22, 2015

1 of 5. Magi traveled from the east to pay homage to the newborn King of Israel. The King of Israel is worthy of your careful searching. Those who find the King, perceive His....

FINDING The KING-I—Matthew 2:1-12 Attention: Read from ‘Coastal Connection’—the holiday calendar selection regarding local town’s 'Christmas' festivities. Not much to bring the true message of Christ’s birth to others! Mostly about cooler weather & Santa & ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

The Elements Of Advent

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on Dec 8, 2020

This message helps to explain three of the four elements of ADVENT: Love, Joy, and Hope. The final element of Peace will be the topic for the following Sunday.

As I sat down to put together my thoughts for this sermon, and after praying about it, I looked at the calendar and realized that this is one of those years that there are only 4 Sundays of Advent between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Sometimes there are 5 Sundays but then there are years like 2020 ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:46-49, Luke 2:10-12, Daniel 9:25-26

Denomination: Baptist

A New Year’s Grounded Ministry Series

Contributed by Terry Laughlin on Dec 26, 2020

After Jesus was born in a stable – the Bible holds truth which we can live by so we may enjoy a grounded ministry for our work in the Lord.

A New Year’s Grounded Ministry Catching the Truths to the Magi’s Gifts and Their Testimony A look at the Bible in regard to the period after the birth of Jesus Christ, I see a time which shows the importance of providing for and protecting the Lord’s work. The Bible says, “After Jesus was born ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-2

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational